Red Hot Reviews

Dogs, like other animals, mark their own territory, and do not like casual walkers, cyclists or motorists intruding into their territory. They go into an attack mode the moment they notice an intruder. The intruder is first warned with snarls and furious barking; if that does not work then the dog launches an attack This involves snapping at the intruder?s heels, and trying to bring him down. The attack can throw any cyclist off balance causing serious injuries. Dealing with dogs should therefore be an important part of riding. Inexperienced riders or children should never be allowed to take tracks where they can be attacked by dogs.

Almost all dogs attack a cyclist from the rear. They usually come from the hindquarter direction. However, not all dogs pursue their victims seriously. You can find this out by the gait of the dog. It is only when the dog feels threatened that he chases faster than usual. At this time the dog?s tail points downwards, the ears are cocked and the mouth open.

You should always guard the front wheel of your bicycle if you see a dog approaching anyway near you. This is because the dog can suddenly come in front of you which can result in a fall. A good strategy is to move to the farthest end of the road and then ride away fast.

Another way of dealing with dogs is to let out a loud-throated yell. It will momentarily surprise the dog and make him hesitate for a while. You can use this time to ride away fast. You can also ball up your fists and shout angrily. Most dogs fear human violence and may not chase after that.

However, you cannot always outrun a dog. You are specially slowed down on bumpy roads or steep tracks. A pepper spray is an attractive option in these circumstances. The spray stings the eyes and nose of the dog, and stops him temporarily without causing any harm.

If nothing works, you should call out for help. Otherwise, protect yourself by placing the bicycle in between you the dog. Don?t try to lash out at the dog with your feet as this may make you lose your balance.

If you are attacked or bitten seek medical aid immediately. Report the instance to the local police station. Ask them to quarantine the dog if it is rabid. If it is a pet then you can also lodge a complaint against the owners.

Do not go by brand names or sizes when selecting your cycling shorts. Find one that fits you most comfortably. Ideally, you should try the shorts before buying them. This is important because each brand has its own styling. You need one that does not restrict your leg movements or put pressure on your waist or crotch.

You should also ensure that the sorts don?t cut deeply into your body or affect your breathing. Another point to check is their fit. If they are too tight they will rub against your skin, and cause constant irritation. This may even lead to the development of sores.

Do not compromise on quality of the cycling shorts. A branded cycling short though costly tends to last longer and is more comfortable to wear. Cheap shorts usually are not that well cut and the fabric is of sub standard quality.

The best shorts are those that use a greater number of pieces. They are more durable and confirm to your body better. Also, go for those shorts which have been manufactured by flat seam stitching. They reduce the discomfort and the tendency of abrasions.

Today, synthetic crotch liners are in vogue. Earlier they were made using real chamois leather. A large one piece, smooth, absorbent and moderately padded liner is very comfortable. You realize the comfort only when you wear them. Avoid thick padding as they can crumple or chafe. Do not use gel inserts. They are extremely problematic as they block moisture transfer and cause dampness and irritation.

Tanning is a huge problem. It is for this reason the short shorts fondly remembered as the Belgian Shorts were replaced by ankle length shorts. Most of them have a high back and a low neck. The low neck gives space to the rider to lean forward comfortably and breathe easily while riding.

The elastic waistband works well as it expands or contracts according to the size of the rider?s waist. It can be supplemented with a drawstring also. The leg grippers should be of suitable width and carefully stitched. Rubber-like materials are best for designing well fitting grippers.

All cycling shorts are manufactured using spandex. Spandex is a stretchable fabric that is easily worn and can be made in all sizes. However, it needs to be maintained carefully.
You must refrain from wringing your cycling shorts dry. This can cause the seams and the stitching to open especially if it is not a well known brand.

Cycling and knee pain go together. The pain, which in medical jargon is known as IT band syndrome, is caused by iliotibial tissue. This thick fibrous tissue that runs from the hip to the knee gets stretched because of the constant up and down movement of the legs, and starts rubbing against the bony portions of the hip or knees, causing pain.

Usually, it is the beginners who suffer from this pain. They ride for long hours without paying adequate attention to their knees or feet. The other causes for the pain are: faulty saddle, wrong sitting position, hard riding, cleat alignment, and individual body anatomy. The only way to reduce the pain is to cycle slowly. This makes it easier for the body to get used to the physical stress of cycling. Minimizing hard riding and doing stretching exercises can also reduce the pain.

Seat adjustment also helps. The pressure on the knee goes down when the seat is neither too low nor too high. If the seat is high the pain develops behind the knee; if it is too low it enters the patella. The best is to visit a cycle store and get your seat height fixed.

Another component that should be checked is the cleats. The cleats should not float too much internally nor should they float externally. Their position should be neutral. The shoe position can be checked at bike shops with the ?fit kit? method.

Another common cycling-related injury is chondromalacia. This is caused on account of constant pressure that is applied to the cartilage behind the patella. The discomfort can be reduced by strengthening the quadriceps muscles, which run along the front of the thigh. The physicians recommend exercises like sitting on a chair and stretching the leg. The pain can be lessened by avoiding sideward movement while pedaling.

Application of ice packs or resting the knee also mitigates the pain. It is also important to cut down on riding time till the knee and hip pain subsides. Also, the cyclist should avoid riding at high speeds or on bumpy roads for some time. Mild stretching and icing before and after the ride is another way to keep the muscles loose. The legs also need to be kept warm during the cold weather.

If the pain persists then the cyclist must visit a sports clinic or see a doctor.